April 19, 2008

MUNCIE, Ind. -The Northern Illinois University women's tennis team concluded its regular season with a 6-1 loss to Ball State (9-5, 2-5) at Ball State Saturday afternoon.

The Huskies (3-13, 1-7) failed to score a point in singles play, but did pick up the doubles point thanks to some solid play at Nos. 1 and 2 doubles. The No. 1 doubles team of Nao Umemura (Kasugi-shi Achi, Japan/Kardina International) and Brooke Forsberg (Moline, Ill./Moline) outlasted Ball State's top doubles team, 8-6, while Lilian Asuaje (Monterrey, Mexico/American School Foundation of Monterrey) Katie Friedlund (Parkville, Mo./Park Hill) posted an 8-2 victory at No. 2 doubles.

Friedlund had a solid showing at No. 3 singles. She won the first set 6-4, but lost the second 6-0. She was tough in third set, but lost 6-3. Jenny Edner (Stocksund, Sweden/Kramfors Tennis Gymnasiet) also played well in a losing effort. The Huskie senior fell in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5.

"We were right there in every close match," NIU head coach Ryun Ferrell said. "We just couldn't get over the hump. It was a little bit frustrating. The effort's been great. It's always been great."

The Huskies return to the court Thursday, April 24, 2008 when NIU travels to Buffalo, N.Y. for the Conference Championships.

Ball State 6, Northern Illinois 1

Singles

No. 1 Sophie Quist (BSU) def. Nao Umemura (NIU), 6-3, 6-3

No. 2 Haly Calderwood (BSU) def. Lilian Asuaje (NIU), 6-4, 6-3

No. 4 Emma Retter (BSU) def. Brooke Forsberg (NIU), 6-1, 6-1

No. 5 Hayley Hall (BSU) def. Jenny Edner (NIU), 6-4, 7-5

No. 6 Georgina Thomson (BSU) def. Dora Delgadillo (NIU), 6-3, 6-3

Doubles

No. 1 Umemura/Forsberg (NIU) def. Calderwood/Pollack (BSU), 8-6

No. 2 Asujae/Friedlund (NIU) def. Quist/Thomson (BSU), 8-2

No. 3 Retter/Rist (BSU) def. Delgadillo/Edner (NIU), 8-5